Best of the Bulls

CaptionFirst winning team

Tribune archive photo

The Bulls had their first taste of success starting in 1970, when they posted four consecutive seasons with 50 or more wins. On those teams were Norm Van Lier (from left), team captain Chet Walker, Jerry Sloan, whose nickname was "The Original Bull," and Bob Love.

The Bulls had their first taste of success starting in 1970, when they posted four consecutive seasons with 50 or more wins. On those teams were Norm Van Lier (from left), team captain Chet Walker, Jerry Sloan, whose nickname was "The Original Bull," and Bob Love. (Tribune archive photo)

Dennis Rodman (from left), Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc were big parts of Bulls teams that won three straight NBA titles from 1996 to 1998. Jordan and Pippen were members of the first "three-peat" team, which won titles from 1991 to 1993.

Dennis Rodman (from left), Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Ron Harper and Toni Kukoc were big parts of Bulls teams that won three straight NBA titles from 1996 to 1998. Jordan and Pippen were members of the first "three-peat" team, which won titles from 1991 to 1993. (Tribune photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo)

Nicknamed "The Original Bull," Sloan was in Chicago during the franchise's first 10 seasons. His grit and toughness made him one of the league's best defensive players and he is one of only 18 players in history to be named to the NBA's all-defensive first team four times. He averaged 14 points...

Nicknamed "The Original Bull," Sloan was in Chicago during the franchise's first 10 seasons. His grit and toughness made him one of the league's best defensive players and he is one of only 18 players in history to be named to the NBA's all-defensive first team four times. He averaged 14 points... (Tribune archive photo)

Bob Love was a forward for the Bulls from 1969 to 1977 and was the second Bulls player to have his number retired. He ranks second on the Bulls' all-time scoring list with 12,623 points, including more than 20 points per game his first five seasons. He was on three All-Star teams.

Bob Love was a forward for the Bulls from 1969 to 1977 and was the second Bulls player to have his number retired. He ranks second on the Bulls' all-time scoring list with 12,623 points, including more than 20 points per game his first five seasons. He was on three All-Star teams. (Tribune archive photo)

"Stormin' " Norm Van Lier was a three-time NBA All-Star known for his stubbornness on defense. He averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game while a member of the Bulls from 1971 to 1978.

"Stormin' " Norm Van Lier was a three-time NBA All-Star known for his stubbornness on defense. He averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game while a member of the Bulls from 1971 to 1978. (Tribune archive photo)